St Patty’s Day is Coming Up – Are You Feeling Lucky?

Well, Springtime is here and St Patty’s Day is just a few days away. Are you feeling lucky? I don’t know about you but I have been feeling very lucky with my Jiu-jitsu training lately. Despite a few nagging injuries, I have had some great success with the new De La Riva Sweep series that we have been working in class lately. So, I thought I would talk about luck for a minute.

First of all, I will admit that luck is a real thing and some people do seem to get luckier than others. I mean, the kids that Angelina and Brad are adopting are FREAKIN LUCKY!

I also believe however, that 99% of luck is MADE. I believe in that old cliche, “luck is when hard work meets opportunity”.

I’m reminded of an MMA fight which was super hyped up at the time. I’m talking about Oleg”the Russian Bear” Taktarov vs. Renzo Gracie. Oleg was a Russian Sambo expert and Renzo one of the most famous fighters of the Gracie clan. After a short feeling out process early on that included some pretty ugly boxing, Oleg landed a takedown. Within 15 seconds Oleg was KO’d from an upkick landed by Renzo followed by a hard right hand. (check it out www.youtube.com/watch?v=FSQjhebHuMk ).

Afterward many people were saying that Renzo got lucky and didn’t use any real Jiu-jitsu. Renzo’s response…”it’s true I got lucky, and the harder I train the luckier I get”. This is the mentality of a true champion and someone who MAKES their own luck.

The truth is, you don’t get to choose the hand you’re dealt in life but you can choose how to play the game as well as who’s life you will affect. You don’t get to choose your parents, your genetics, your upbringing or forces beyond your control. These things are neither to be frowned upon nor bragged about because you didn’t earn them. They simple, are. It’s what you do with what you have that truly defines your character and just about everyone has far more potential than they will give themselves credit for. You really must remind yourself of all that you have and don’t waste time worrying about what you don’t have. You have both the time and the ability to get those other things.

You have unlimited, untapped potential. Whatever your goals are, Martial Arts or otherwise, you must go after them and fight for them. And when you fall, get back up and keep moving forward. Don’t wait for luck to fall into your lap. Go make your own luck.

Oh yeah, good luck:)